Question

What data would you need to estimate the money you would spend on gasoline to drive your car from New York to Chicago? Provide estimates of values and a sample calculation.

Short answer

To estimate the money spent on gasoline for a car trip from New York to Chicago, we need the distance between the cities, the car's fuel efficiency, and the cost of gasoline per gallon. Assuming an approximate distance of 800 miles, a fuel efficiency of 30 mpg, and a cost of $3.00 per gallon, we would need approximately 27 gallons of gasoline for the trip. The estimated total cost for gasoline would be $81.00 (\( Total \, cost = 27 \, gallons × $3.00 \, per \, gallon \)). This value is approximate and may change based on various factors.

Step-by-step solution

Find the distance between New York and Chicago

Let's use an approximate distance of 800 miles for the car trip between New York and Chicago. This value may vary based on the exact route and starting/ending locations within the cities, but it serves as a reasonable estimate.

Determine the fuel efficiency of the car

To find out how many miles per gallon (mpg) the car can drive, check the car's manual or consult the manufacturer's website. Assume an average fuel efficiency of 30 miles per gallon for this exercise.

Find the cost of gasoline per gallon

Check a trusted source or website for the current average price of gasoline in the United States or the specific region. For demonstration purposes, we can assume an average cost of $3.00 per gallon.

Calculate the number of gallons of gasoline needed for the trip

Divide the total distance by the car's fuel efficiency to find the number of gallons of gasoline required for the trip: \( Gallons \, of \, gasoline = \frac{Distance}{Fuel \, efficiency} = \frac{800 \, miles}{30 \, mpg} \) \( Gallons \, of \, gasoline = 26.67 \, gallons \approx 27 \, gallons \)

Estimate the total cost of gasoline for the trip

Multiply the number of gallons needed by the cost per gallon to estimate the total cost of gasoline: \( Total \, cost = Gallons \, of \, gasoline × Cost \, per \, gallon \) \( Total \, cost = 27 \, gallons × $3.00 \, per \, gallon \) \( Total \, cost = $81.00 \) So the estimated cost of gasoline for the car trip from New York to Chicago is $81.00. Keep in mind that these values are approximate and may change based on factors like the specific route, fluctuating gas prices, and car fuel efficiency.

Key concepts

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency is a measure of how well a vehicle uses fuel to travel a certain distance. It's an essential concept when planning a road trip since it helps you estimate how much fuel you'll need. Fuel efficiency is usually denoted in miles per gallon (mpg), indicating how many miles a car can travel using one gallon of fuel. A vehicle with higher fuel efficiency uses less fuel to cover the same distance compared to a less efficient vehicle. This means that understanding your car's fuel efficiency can significantly impact trip cost calculations.

To determine your vehicle's fuel efficiency, you could refer to various sources:

• Check the car's manual for the manufacturer's estimated mpg.
• Visit the manufacturer's website for updated figures.
• Look at trusted online databases that list average fuel efficiencies for different models.

Knowing your vehicle's fuel efficiency will allow you to accurately predict how much gasoline you'll need for a trip and in turn, help you plan your expenses better.

Miles per Gallon (mpg)

Miles per gallon (mpg) is a metric used to assess a car’s fuel efficiency. It tells you how many miles your car can travel on one gallon of gasoline. This measurement is crucial when you're estimating fuel usage and costs for a trip, as it directly impacts how much fuel you will need.

To calculate how much gasoline your trip would require, you use the formula:

• First, determine the total distance of your trip in miles.
• Then, divide this number by your car's mpg to find out how many gallons you’ll need.

For example, if a car has a fuel efficiency of 30 mpg and the trip is 800 miles, you would need approximately 27 gallons of gasoline:\[ Gallons \ of \ gasoline = \frac{800 \ miles}{30 \ mpg} = 26.67 \ gallons \approx 27 \ gallons \]Remember, having an accurate mpg figure will lead to a more precise estimate of gasoline needs and allow better budgeting for your trip.

Gasoline Cost Calculation

Calculating the cost of gasoline for a trip is essential for budgeting and financial planning. To estimate this cost, you need both the number of gallons of gasoline you'll require for your trip and the cost per gallon of fuel.

The cost calculation can be broken down into simple steps:

• First, calculate the number of gallons needed using your car's fuel efficiency and the total mileage of your trip, as explained in mpg calculations.
• Next, find the current price of gasoline per gallon. This price can vary depending on location and time, so consulting updated sources frequently is wise.
• Finally, multiply the number of gallons by the cost per gallon to find total gasoline costs.
  • Example: For 27 gallons at $3.00 per gallon, the total cost is \(27 \times 3.00 = 81.00 \).

This approach helps in providing an estimate of the expected gasoline cost, which is crucial for any long-distance trip planning.